Ibc Black Cherry Recipe

Prepare cherries

If using fresh cherries, wash, pit and halve them. If using frozen, thaw slightly and drain excess liquid. Measure 2 cups packed cherries.

Cook fruit and sugar

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Add the prepared cherries. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until cherries soften and the liquid becomes syrupy.

Macerate and extract

Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the cherries in the pan to release more juice and flavor. Simmer 2–3 more minutes to integrate flavors.

Strain and finish

Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a heatproof bowl and pour the cooked cherry mixture through it, pressing on the solids with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard or reserve the cooked cherry solids for another use (e.g., topping yogurt). Return the strained syrup to the saucepan if you want to concentrate it further.

Add finishing flavor

Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, plus 1/4 cup unsweetened cherry juice if using for deeper color and aroma. Taste and, if desired, add up to 2 tablespoons more sugar while warm to reach your preferred sweetness. Bring just to a simmer to incorporate any added sugar, then remove from heat.

Cool and store

Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean bottle or jar. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portions or can using proper canning techniques.

Fill a tall glass with 1 cup ice cubes.

Pour 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of chilled black cherry syrup over the ice. Adjust syrup amount between 1–3 tablespoons depending on desired sweetness and intensity.

Slowly pour 8 fl oz chilled club soda or seltzer into the glass to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to combine syrup and soda without flattening it.

Garnish with a lime or lemon wheel and a maraschino or fresh cherry if desired. Serve immediately.